Review: The Victorian Internet

The Victorian Internet
by Tom Standage
The electric telegraph in the 19th century: an often overlooked innovation. But for my history-geek tastes, this book did not cover the subject with enough depth. It gives a brief history of early innovators of the electric telegraph and lists lots of amusing antidotes about how the public came to use the telegraph. (The parts I found most interesting were how telegraph operators created their own lingo and developed 'online' relationships within their profession.) Without admirable characters throughout or a unique storyline to drive the narrative (like the author's other book The Turk), this book is simply an easy-to-read overview about the telegraph. While amusing and informative, The Victorian Internet does not make history come alive. (Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com.)

Review: Into the Wild Nerd Yonder

Into the Wild Nerd Yonder

by Julie Halpern

Fluffy but sweet. The charactes were fun to follow as the lead, Jessie, sheds herself of her old, shallow friends, and explores other high school cliques. It wasn't the most thought provoking plot, but worrying about social labels and what other people think is a relatable theme. It ended too soon. (Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com.)

Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

Very enjoyable look of reservation life for a teenager versus attending a white high school. Loved that it was funny, poignant, but sugar-coated! Memorable characters. (Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com.)

Review: The American Family Robinson

The American Family Robinson
by David W. Belisle

Kinda liked it. Kinda didn't. Liked how this 1854 book felt like a Jules Verne novel especially with the reoccurring clues of an ancient lost race (possibly Norsemen?) in North America. On the fence about the overriding theme of Manifest Destiny. It was interesting to read about it from a 19th century perspective, but at times it felt like propaganda. Could've majorly done without the sanctimonious depictions of Native Americans. As a whole, the Indians in this book were described as "savages" and are all feared to be cannibalistic. One of the main characters is a chief named Whirlwind who is lost with the rest of this group of white pioneers. He is considered a "civilized" Indian because he turns out to invaluable to their survival, and he calls the white trapper in the group his "brother." From the author's perspective, Whirlwind is better than the rest of the Indians, but still not good enough to court a white woman. (Originally posted as SquareSpot on PaperBackSwap.com.)